TJ Watt and the Steelers have agreed to a three-year contract extension that will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history…at least for now. The agreement was unofficially announced yesterday by Watt himself, who posted without comment a picture of himself celebrating in a Steelers game. Earlier in the day, he’d posted a picture of himself working out in Wisconsin with teammate Nick Herbig, who frequently subs for Watt as an outside edge rusher.
An NFL source says the extension runs through the 2028 season, replacing the one year left on his current deal, and adding three more at a total value of $144.05 million. He’ll be paid $21.5 million this season, then $41 million per year for the next three. $108 million is guaranteed.
Watt has a Steelers-record 108 sacks in eight years in the NFL, but he had an off-year last season, with only eleven-and-a-half sacks, none in the last four games including the playoff loss to the Ravens. He did, however, lead the NFL in forced fumbles, with six. He has the most forced fumbles of any player in the NFL since being drafted in 2017.
Watt was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 draft with the 30th overall selection. Wide receiver Mike Williams was taken in that same draft, with the seventh overall selection by the Chargers. Williams retired yesterday. He’d re-signed with the Chargers after ending last season as a Steeler. Acquired at last year’s trade deadline from the Jets, Williams caught only nine passes with Pittsburgh and finished the season with twenty-one between the Jets and Steelers.
Players report to training camp at St. Vincent College next Wednesday.
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